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Gig Harbor Now hires Jenny Wellman as first executive director

Gig Harbor Now recently hired Jenny Wellman as its first executive director.

Wellman previously served as treasurer of Gig Harbor Now’s board of directors. She will step down from the board to assume the executive director role.

Gig Harbor Now is an independent, nonprofit news website covering Gig Harbor and the surrounding area. It is governed by a board of directors and operates thanks to financial support from community members, foundations and other donors.

Jenny Wellman

Wellman is a Texas native who has lived in the Gig Harbor area for more than 12 years. She has extensive experience in the nonprofit world, including as executive director of the Gig Harbor Film Festival from 2016-2020.

“Jenny’s experience, skills, energy, and vision are designed for the job of Executive Director. For me, a founder and the first President of Gig Harbor Now, it’s a thrill to offer her the position,” board president Pat Lantz said. “She and I have worked together from our newsroom’s beginning. Never have I doubted, then or now, that achieving  our mission will come through her leadership. Gig Harbor Now: the eyes, ears and voice of our community. Jenny will take us far.”

Wellman becomes Gig Harbor Now’s second salaried employee, joining editor Vince Dice. The organization otherwise operates with volunteers and freelance journalists.

As executive director, Wellman is responsible for leading the organization in coordination with the board. Duties include supervising the work of non-journalist staff members and volunteers, fundraising, budgeting and more.

Also recently, Gig Harbor Now’s board elected new officers for 2023. Candace Savage will be the organization’s board president, with Lantz serving as past president. Pat Schmidt will continue as board vice president and Lynda Filson will continue as board secretary. Wellman’s replacement as treasurer will be selected at an upcoming board meeting.